On November 25, 2021, the Maltese Islands experienced a dramatic weather event as severe thunderstorms battered the country, leading to widespread flooding. The storms, which unleashed torrential rain in a short period, particularly impacted the northern regions of Malta. St. Paul’s Bay bore the brunt of the deluge, recording an astonishing 138mm of rainfall in just a few hours—nearly double the national average of 75mm for that day!

The storms caused significant disruption, with roads turning into rivers and communities working together to mitigate the damage. November 25th holds special cultural significance in Malta, as it aligns with the liturgical feast of Saint Catherine. Interestingly, this date has often been associated with tumultuous weather in local folklore, with Saint Catherine earning the nickname of the patron saint of the storm, for her coincidental ties to stormy conditions.

In stark contrast, today’s weather paints a much calmer picture, emphasising the unpredictability of November in the Mediterranean.

Do you remember this storm?